FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. - Tucker Russell and Brett Jacobs combined to pitch a shutout and Fort Hays State defeated Emporia State 3-0 Tuesday afternoon at Larks Park. The Tigers scored single runs in the first, fourth and seventh innings and won their second straight and improved to 11-24 overall and 8-17 in the MIAA. Emporia State, receiving votes in the latest national coaches' poll, moved to 27-9 overall and 14-8 in the MIAA.
The Tigers capitalized on the game's only error in the first inning. It happened on the first Tiger batter of the game as Antonio Avila reached on a fielding error. Two batters later Mac Bowie shot a double to the left center gap to score Avila.
All three of FHSU's runs in the game were on RBI doubles. In the fourth, Dylan Salcido was hit by a pitch with two outs and then Garretson Cook drove him in with a double to left center. Another RBI double by Bowie down the first-base line in the seventh scored Avila, who singled and stole a base before scoring.
Tucker Russell picked up the win for FHSU, moving to 3-3 for the season. He struck out three, scattered four hits, and walked five in 5.0 innings of work. Brett Jacobs nailed down the shutout from that point, throwing 4.0 scoreless innings with just one hit and one walk allowed. He struck out two for his third save of the season.
Jake Khasaempanth of Emporia State took his first loss of the season, going 3.0 innings in his start. His one run allowed was unearned. Three other Hornets pitched in relief, and two of the three each gave up a run.
Fort Hays State produced its first shutout of the season and first since April 18 of last year, when they defeated Newman 8-0 in Wichita.
The Tigers will host Central Missouri in a 3-game series this weekend at Larks Park. The series is scheduled to start on Friday at 5 p.m.